IN 2016, Jasmin Stewart entered the first ever AFL Women’s draft as a member of the All-Australian Youth Girls Team. Unfortunately, even with her credentials, she missed out, but Stewart was not surprised. Now in 2018, she has been selected by Fremantle at pick four, and according to Dockers TV, Stewart is ready to go.

“I was in the Freo (Fremantle) academy for 10 weeks (in 2016),” she said. “I know when I nominated for the draft a few years ago I probably wasn’t ready. This year, I really do feel ready to take it to the next level.”

Since her rejection from AFL Women’s clubs, she has been honing her skills at the Claremont football club for the last two years. The Tigers have had a poor season for 2018, but one of their shining lights throughout the year was their Best and Fairest, Jasmin Stewart. Her position on the field can vary from the midfield to half-forward flank, making her a versatile player.

Stewart and her family have always been passionate Fremantle supporters, and though her family couldn’t make the trip, she knew they’d be watching at home.

“Mum, I imagine she’d be crying, or really screaming,” she said. “At work, she’s watching the draft, so she’ll be really stoked.  My brothers are also watching, crossing their fingers at work as well, but I know they’ll be very proud.”

Football seems to run in the family, with her older brother, who also plays football, influenced his younger sister to follow in his footsteps. On the Dockers website, Stewart spoke of his influence.

“My brother played footy and I just wanted to do everything that he did when I was little,” she said. “He always likes to say that he taught me everything I know, but he sort of has. We’re very close and we still kick the footy around now.”

Although Stewart is an athlete that has contributed in other sports, it appears the family influence has rubbed off on her. She chose to reject other sports, and dedicate her life to football.

“I just pretty much played footy all my life,” Stewart said. “I have done sports here and there but just mainly footy.”

Fremantle has had two poor years of AFLW, but with the inclusion of Stewart playing alongside Docker jets such as Dana Hooker, and Kara Donnellan, the Dockers could be on the rise.